UN candidate Baki says Lebanon experience shaped peace work

Former Ecuadorian minister and ambassador Ivonne Baki presented her candidacy for UN Secretary-General, drawing on her life experiences during Lebanon's civil war and her extensive diplomatic career to underscore her commitment to peace. "I was there in Lebanon for over 20 years under the bombs. My children were born under the bombs, and the music that lulled them to sleep was the bombs. I do this because I believe in peace for future generations and for the current ones as well," Baki told reporters at the UN headquarters. Baki, who holds dual nationality and is of Lebanese descent, announced her bid representing the Kingdom of Tonga. She spent ten years as Ecuador's ambassador in Washington, D.C., giving her broad connections within the U.S. capital and with presidents worldwide. Her diplomatic roles also included ambassadorships in Qatar, covering seven Middle Eastern countries, and later in France and Monaco. "I was ambassador in Qatar, with coverage over seven Middle Eastern countries, and the last position I held was in France and Monaco. Then I returned and am now a candidate for secretary-general of the United Nations because I believe that, to achieve peace in the world, we need the UN," she added. Addressing conflicts, using Ukraine as an example, Baki suggested that if the UN could not prevent war, it must "find a solution that does not take too long" and is "good for both countries" to prevent further loss of life. She expressed confidence in the UN's ability to achieve this. While she has visited Lebanon, Baki stated she has not yet visited "Palestine nor Gaza" or Israel but pledged to visit all countries, especially those in conflict, if she leads the UN. Regarding her engagement with the U.S. government, Baki emphasized her "style" is to "talk to everyone," asserting that Washington is not endorsing any specific candidate. "I have talked with the U.S. I have talked with Ecuador, my country too. I have talked with Lebanon, my other country too. I have talked with everyone, and that is my style: I talk to everyone and hope that everyone will support me," she said. Baki also asserted that the UN "needs changes" and that "what is being done is not working." She considers herself "of the world," not solely of Ecuador or Lebanon, and advocated for the influence of island nations and smaller countries in the international community.

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I was there in Lebanon for over 20 years under the bombs. My children were born under the bombs, and the music that lulled them to sleep was the bombs. I do this because I believe in peace for future generations and for the current ones as well.